Statement re ICAC report into SafeWork SA

Thursday 29 November 2018

The State Government welcomes the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption’s Evaluation of the Practices, Policies and Procedures of the Regulatory Arm of SafeWork SA, which was tabled today in State Parliament.

Treasurer Rob Lucas said the Government would now thoroughly consider the report and its 39 recommendations for change.

“I acknowledge Commissioner Bruce Lander’s evaluation of SafeWork SA as an organisation at ‘serious risk of corruption, misconduct and maladministration’,” said Treasurer Lucas.

“I also note the Commissioner’s findings that the organisation is ‘largely devoid of a suite of coherent, logical and structured policies’ and operates in a culture described by many staff as ‘toxic’.

“It’s a crying shame that this agency has been allowed to descend into such dysfunction, under the watch of the former Labor government, over many years.

“This is yet another example of the mess left by the incompetence and negligence of the former Labor government.

“The Marshall Government is committed to taking action to clean up Labor’s mess and ensure SafeWork SA operates effectively and efficiently for the benefit of all South Australians.

“It’s pleasing to note the Commissioner’s remarks that the ‘current executive has a genuine desire to transform the agency and to resolve many of the issues that negatively impact its operations.’

“The Marshall Government will continue to implement comprehensive reforms to the operations of SafeWork SA and will consider a range of recommendations for reform including those made by ICAC and the Coroner.”